Wild Amaranthus caudatus Seed Oil, a Nutraceutical Resource from Ecuadorian Flora

Abstract

Seed oil of wild Amaranthus caudatus from Ecuador was analyzed for determining the tocopherol, fatty acid, and sterol contents. The data obtained were compared with the analogous chemical profile of seed oil of Italian A. caudatus with the objective of evaluating the nutraceutical and alimentary potential of the Ecuadorian matrix. Supercritical fluid and ultrasound-enhanced extractions were performed on both matrices. Qualitative and quantitative determinations of tocopherols were performed by HPLC, whereas GC and GC-MS were used to determine the fatty acid composition and sterols, respectively. Supercritical fluid extraction at 400 atm was the most efficient extraction method in terms of both total yield extract and tocopherol yield. Seeds of Ecuadorian of A. caudatus contained higher levels of tocopherols than Italian samples, whereas the fatty acid composition and sterol content were similar. From the obtained results it can be suggested that seed oil of wild Ecuadorian A. caudatus can prove to be an effective nutraceutical and alimentary resource and a valid alternative to the European varieties.

Chemical Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Amazonian (Ecuador) Caryodendron orinocense Karst. and Bactris gasipaes Kunth Seed Oils

“…The FAME were prepared by transmethylation using sodium methoxide in the presence of methyl acetate 14 .…”

“…1 . The acidity, firstly determined for both oils by titration β-tocopherol 9 1 (-) 7 1 (0-1) 6) γ-tocopherol 575 4 (520) 8) 4 1 (-) 6) δ-tocopherol 57 2 (148) 8) -(-) 6) Total 816 (688) 8) 59 (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18) …”

Assessment of Content of Fat and Tocopherols in Seeds of Amaranthus in Relation to Diversified Fertilization with Macroelements

“…Squalene also decreases the amount of cholesterol in blood [17][18][19]. Tocopherols and tocotrienols are natural antioxidants [20] which support human body immune system and protect vitamin A and unsaturated fatty acids, membrane lipids and reserve lipids [21]. Tocopherols probably restrict lipid peroxidation [22].…”

In Vitro Antioxidant Effect and Inhibition of .ALPHA.-Amylase of Two Varieties of Amaranthus caudatus Seeds

“…4) Current industrial and public interest in the use of amaranth grain has not only been linked to its recognized nutritional properties, but also to its potential beneficial use as a therapeutic adjunct in diets for hypercholesterolemic susceptible individuals. 5) Recent studies have demonstrated a variety of important and unique nutraceutical type applications for grain amaranth, 6) including its use as an adjunct to lower blood glucose response in non-insulin-dependent diabetics and in other applications to lower blood serum cholesterol levels. 7,8) Diabetes is a major risk factor for premature atherosclerosis, and oxidative stress plays an important role.…”